Job Discussion Forums

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Gringo Greg,

Other than taking the PRAXIS one what else would I have to do to get a job on Saipan?

What subject would I best have a chance of getting a job?

I have a degree in Political Science and German.

Gringo Greg · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 11:18 am Post subject:

You need the Praxis I and Praxis II in the subject area that you'll teach. Maybe social studies? Anyways, there are some big cutbacks under way because of budget concerns. This year will be a tight one, next year promises to be better if Congress helps out.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Can I live on $1500 US a month in Saipan until I get a job at a school in Saipan? What if I come to Saipan and work online? I can earn $1500 a month. Will that cut it?

Gringo Greg · Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 12:22 pm Post subject:

Prices are going up here in Saipan, power and food. Is $1500 a month enough to live on? It really depends if you have family or not. A single person can do it, a family can do it, but it depends on how you live.

You need transportation. Taxis are an option($3 chinese ones) but get expensive after awhile. Bikes are a good option around much of the island. Scooters rent for $150 a month. All are good option for single people, more difficult for families. Gas is $4.75 a gallon right now.

Rent can be gotten anywhere from $100 for room to $350 a month for a decent but small American style 2 bedroom. Utilities are sky high, figure $200 to $250 a month as a minimum if you are using air con. Cable TV is $30 some a month and internet is about $50 a month for an air card. DSL is similarly priced.

While food is expensive, depending on how you eat, you can find some good values. if you are a single person used to Asian eating, you could spend $300 to $400 a month and eat well. The fish is fresh and locally grown vegetables and fruits are reasonable.

The island life can be rather relaxing and cheap occasionally. There is a freedom here that can be very liberating after time as a foreigner in Asia. For example, buy a fishing pole and go out and spend an evening or morning fishing. Go to the jungle and gather fresh fruits. Go biking to a remote area, go hiking for a few hours and then go for a swim.

After two years, it starts to get rather old.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Gringo Greg,

Well I am single. How much to rent a car? Is the Praxis II offered in Saipan?

Gringo Greg · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:58 am Post subject:

If you do the Praxis II on paper, you can do it Saipan, but you need to sign up a couple of months in advance. The Praxis II for Elementary Ed(if that is your thing) is on computer 5 days a week in Guam, you can sign up online.

Car rentals? There are some Chinese car rentals places for about $500 a month, but as I said before, $150 a month will get you a scooter or if you come with a decent bike, you can get all the transport you need.